stalk

1
[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /

noun

the stem or main axis of a plant.
any slender supporting or connecting part of a plant, as the petiole of a leaf, the peduncle of a flower, or the funicle of an ovule.
a similar structural part of an animal.
a stem, shaft, or slender supporting part of anything.
Automotive. a slender lever, usually mounted on or near the steering wheel, that is used by the driver to control a signal or function: The horn button is on the turn-signal stalk.

Origin of stalk

1
1275–1325; Middle English stalke, apparently equivalent to Old English stal(u) stave + -k diminutive suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM stalk

stalk·like, adjective

Definition for stalk (2 of 2)

stalk 2
[ stawk ]
/ stɔk /

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

noun

an act or course of stalking quarry, prey, or the like: We shot the mountain goat after a five-hour stalk.
a slow, stiff stride or gait.

Origin of stalk

2
1250–1300; Middle English stalken (v.), representing the base of Old English bestealcian to move stealthily, stealcung stalking (gerund); akin to steal

OTHER WORDS FROM stalk

stalk·a·ble, adjective stalk·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for stalk

British Dictionary definitions for stalk (1 of 2)

stalk 1
/ (stɔːk) /

noun

the main stem of a herbaceous plant
any of various subsidiary plant stems, such as a leafstalk (petiole) or flower stalk (peduncle)
a slender supporting structure in animals such as crinoids and certain protozoans, coelenterates, and barnacles
any long slender supporting shaft or column

Derived forms of stalk

stalked, adjective stalkless, adjective stalklike, adjective

Word Origin for stalk

C14: probably a diminutive formed from Old English stalu upright piece of wood; related to Old Frisian staal handle

British Dictionary definitions for stalk (2 of 2)

stalk 2
/ (stɔːk) /

verb

noun

the act of stalking
a stiff or threatening stride

Derived forms of stalk

stalker, noun

Word Origin for stalk

Old English bestealcian to walk stealthily; related to Middle Low German stolkeren, Danish stalke

Medical definitions for stalk

stalk
[ stôk ]

n.

A slender or elongated support or structure, as one that connects or supports an organ.

Scientific definitions for stalk

stalk
[ stôk ]

The main stem of a plant.
A slender structure that supports a plant part, such as a flower or leaf.
A slender supporting structure in certain other organisms, such as the reproductive structure in plasmodial slime molds or the part of a mushroom below the cap.
A slender supporting or connecting part of an animal, such as the eyestalk of a lobster.